Fundraising Improves Community Ties AND Raises Money for Your Emergency Financial Assistance Fund

When starting an employee emergency relief fund, it takes time to build a substantial fund balance, even when a large number of staff members sign up to contribute. Instead of taking the risk that it will not have sufficient funds in the case of a large-scale natural disaster, why not fundraise? Fundraising can help raise a significant amount of money in a short period of time, as well as forge new and strong relationships within the communities where the company operates.

Fundraising can happen at multiple levels, from grassroots campaigns to higher level operations involving large, one-time donations solicited from strategic stakeholders. Many individuals and organizations are happy to support causes that hit close to home, and supporting community members in their time of need is often a particularly personal cause. By setting up a fund that allows for tax-deductible donations, contributions not only benefit those employees in need who ultimately receive the grants, but donors as well.

Building ties involves not only thanking donors for their contribution, but honoring them with tangible tokens of appreciation. These can include certificates or plaques that can be displayed in their places of business, a donor list on your corporate website or in your company newsletter, or a list of donors displayed prominently in your company’s head office or other places of business. When building ties to the community, it is important to also show generosity in return. Perhaps offer support for local events, donate to other fundraising events, or keep in touch with donors on a quarterly basis, without always seeking additional donations as a motivation. By creating strong, authentic ties in the communities where your business operates, you are also more likely to receive additional assistance should an emergency situation affect your employees.